Belt wrapper



Jan. 11, 1966 J. J. HIEGEL 3,228,225

BELT WRAPPER Filed June 11, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. JOSEPH J. HIEGEL ATTORNEYS J. J. HIEGEL BELT WRAPPER Jan. 11, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 11, 1962 INVENTOR. JOSEPH J- HI EGEL AT ORNEYS J. J. HIEGEL BELT WRAPPER Jan. 11, 1966 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 11, 1962 INVE TOR. JOSEPH J. HIEGEL kkdham A TORNEYS United States Patent 3,228,225 BELT WRAPPER Joseph J. Hiegel, Salem, Ohio, assignor to E. W. Bliss (Zompany, Canton, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Filed June 11, 1962, Ser. No. 201,714 4 Claims. (Cl. 72-148) This invention pertains to the art of coiling a continuous strip of metal as it leaves a rolling mill and more particularly to an apparatus including a novel belt wrapper to be used in conjunction with a reel to form coils.

One method of assuring proper wrapping of the first few turns of strip about the reel is to provide a so-called belt wrapper having a plurality of endless reinforced belts which substantially encircle the reel to guide the strip about the reel for the first few turns. Thereafter the belt wrapper is backed off of the reel the coil building continues without necessity for further guiding. Since the belts are made of reinforced cloth webbing, their life expectancy is relatively short due to abrasion, stress and strain inflicted by contact with the metal strip.

It is usually necessary to shut down a mill line when a belt requires repair or replacement. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to make belt wrapper repairs as quickly as possible in order to keep the mill down-time to an absolute minimum. Basically, the invention contemplates construction of an easily replaceable unit so that the complete unit may be replaced by a serviceable unit without requiring the belt wrapper to stand idle while the repairs on the belt or its operating elements are being made on the belt wrapper itself. By this novel construction, complex prior are mechanisms developed to decrease the time of replacing a belt are not needed and the general design of the belt wrapper can be maintained relatively simple.

In accordance with the present invention, a belt wrapper is provided comprising a frame member, a plurality of separate belt wrapping units mounted onto the frame member, each unit having an endless wrapping belt and force applying means for causing the endless belt to exert wrapping pressure on the metal strip as it is being coiled onto the reel, and means for quickly removing each wrapping unit from the frame when the force applying means or other elements are in need of repair or replacement.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a belt wrapper first aligning means on each of the separate belt wrapping units and second aligning means on the frame member so that these aligning means are adapted to match one another to assure proper location of the units on the frame. Further means are also provided for releasably locking these units onto the frame in side-by-side relationship to present a belt wrapper of any desired width. Thus, the operable width of the belt wrapper may vary by changing the number of units and without any modification to the common frame member.

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide a novel apparatus used in association with metal strip coiling devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a belt wrapper having transversely spaced endless belts for engagement with the metal strip comprising a number of separate belt wrapping units each of which unit carries at least one endless belt and is adapted to be removed from the belt wrapper without disturbing the other units.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a belt wrapper apparatus having transversely spaced endless belts and force applying means for these belts comprising a plurality of separate belt wrapping units each releasably secured to a common frame member and each of these units being provided with aligning means adapted to engage the common frame member and align the units in side-by-side relationship.

Patented Jan. 11, 1966 Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a novel tongue and groove arrangement for attaching separate belt wrapping units onto the frame of a belt wrapper whereby the separate units may be removed from the frame for the purposes of repair or for the replacement of the belts carried by the units.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a pre-assembled belt wrapping unit having an endless belt and means for forcing the belt against material being wrapped about a rotating reel, said unit being adapted to be releasably secured to a common frame in transverse alignment with like units to provide a belt wrapper apparatus of any desired Width, and said units being easily individually replaced by an identical unit maintained in reserve.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description used toillustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention as read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a partial top view of the embodiment disclosed in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a partial enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 showing the connection between the belt wrapping unit and the common frame member;

FIGURE 4 is a partial enlarged top view of the subject shown in FIGURE 3; and,

FIGURE 5 is a partial cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

Referring now to the drawings, therein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGURE 1 shows a belt wrapper apparatus A adjacent the exit end of a rolling mill for coiling a meta2 strip 8 issuing from the rolling mill onto a winding reel Between the exit end of the rolling mill and the coil C there is provided a billy roll 10, and bending rolls 12, 14 and 16, the use of which is old and well understood by those skilled in the art. In some instances, it is desirable to bypass the belt wrapper A; therefore, a plurality of longitudinally spaced rollers 18 are provided so that the strip may pass beneath the belt wrapper A onto another belt wrapper or to another apparatus.

Belt wrapper A comprises a superstructure 20 adapted to provide support for components of the belt wrapper; a longitudinally movable frame member 22 supported by the superstructure 20 and adapted to reciprocate with respect to the superstructure in a path inclined downwardly (or in the alternative, inclined upwardly) toward the front part of the superstructure; and a plurality of individually mounted belt wrapping units 24, 26 and 28 (see FIGURE 2) mounted on the longitudinally movable frame member 22. By this construction, the belt wrapping units are adapted to be moved on frame member 22 into close spaced relationship with reel C. After the first few turns of strip B are made about the rotating reel C, the belt wrapping units 24, 26, and 28 are moved rearwardly to disengage the belt wrappers from the coil, while coiling continues on reel C without further assistance from auxiliary equipment.

Referring now more specifically to the superstructure 20 (see FIGURE 2), a pair of transversely spaced generally parallel I beam tracks 30, 32 are fixed secured to the upper portion of the superstructure. These tracks provide inwardly facing channels which extend along a path inclined downwardly toward the front of the superstructure 20. The I beam track 30 is provided with oppositely facing V-shaped guide rails 34, 36 (see FIGURE 3 5), which define a guide path along the track 30. In a similar manner, the track 32 is provided with oppositely facing generally flat rails 35, 37 (see FIGURE 3), to define a similar path along the track 32.

To provide means for shifting the frame 22 with respect to the superstructure 20, any of a number of appropriate power means may be provided between these members; however, in practice, one quite satisfactory arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder 38 (see FIG- URE 2) pivotally mounted onto superstructure 20 by a trunnion 40 and having a powered piston rod 42 extending parallel to the path of movement of the frame member 22 and connected onto the frame member by an appropriate means such as a trunnion 44.

Appropriate means are provided to allow the relative movement between frame member 22 and the superstructure 20. In the preferred embodiment, such means comprises wheels 46, 48 mounted outboard of frame 22. The wheels 46 are best shown in FIGURE 5 as having a double truncated peripheral surface which is adapted to match the rails 34, 36 of the track 30 so that the wheels run on these rails to support the frame member 22 as it is being moved longitudinally along the superstructure 20. The particular configuration provided on the outer periphery of wheels 46 assures guided parallel movement of the frame member and prevents transverse displacement. With the guided movement provided by wheels 46, wheels 48 are provided only with a flat periphery which matches the rails 35, 37 to provide vertical support for the frame member with respect to the superstructure.

As aforesaid, an important feature of the belt wrapper A is the provision of the separate, detachable belt wrapping units 24, 26 and 28 which are mounted onto the upper surface of the movable frame member 22. The separate belt fastening units are substantially identical and a description of the unit 24 will apply equally to the other units. Each separate belt wrapping unit, such as unit 24 (see FIGURES 2 and 5), is provided with a frame 50 characterized by parallel side plates 52, 54 spaced transversely from each other and joined by appropriate interconnecting structural members. This frame 50 supports an endless belt 56 which may be constructed of a variety of materials such as rubberized fabric. Endless belt 56 is adapted to extend around the outer surface of reel C to guide the initial turns of strip B against the reel to start the coiling of the strip.

The endless belt 56 is trained over guide rollers 58 and 60 mounted between the parallel plates 52, 54; a guide roller 66 mounted on a swingable elongated arm 68, guide rollers 62 and 63 mounted appropriately on a pivoted arm 64, and roller 78 mounted on belt tensioning lever 76. The arm 64 is adapted to be pivoted out of engagement with the reel C to allow movement of the belt wrapping unit 24 with respect to the reel C. This arm 64 is controlled by an appropriate power means such as cylinder 70 pivotally mounted with respect to frame 50 by an appropriate means such as trunnion 72. By movement of the arm 64 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 1, the endless belt 56 is wrapped around nearly the entire circumference of the reel C. To pro vide further coverage of the reel C by the endless belt, a power means such as cylinder 74 is adapted to pivot the swinging arm 68 upwardly to increase the circumferential engagement of the belt 56.

are provided with the same endless belt force applying means such as the cylinders 70, 74 and 80. Each of these units is individually mounted on frame 22 (see FIGURE 3). The frame 50 of the belt wrapping unit 24 is provided with means for aligning the belt wrapper with respect to the frame member 22 and for securing the unit onto this member. Frame 50 of unit 24 is provided with a transverse, rearwardly extending flange at the upper rear end and a downwardly extending transverse tongue 92 at the lower front end. The tongue 92 is integral with a transversely extending plate 98 afiixed to the under surface of the belt wrapping unit 24. The longitudinally movable frame 22 is provided with aligning and securing means for cooperative action with the flange 90 and tongue 92 to secure the individual units onto the frame 22. Transversely extending flange 160 and a transversely extending seating block 102 spaced vertically downward from flange 100 a distance greater than the thickness of the flange 90 are secured to frame 22. The flange 100 and seating block 102 respectively define upper and lower walls of a generally U-shaped recess 101. A plurality of clamping means such as bolts 104 extend throughthe flange 160 into engagement with the flange 90 to exert a clamping force against the upper surface 96 thereof and urge lower surface 94 of flange 90 against the seating block 102. The movable frame 22 is also provided with a transversely extending plate 106 positioned directly opposite plate 98 and having a transversely extending groove 108 adapted to receive the tongue 92 therein. By providing these aligning and securing means, each individual belt wrapping unit may be positioned onto the frame member 22 in side-by-side relationship to each other. The tongue 92 in groove 108 provides longitudinal and parallel alignment of the frame 50 with respect to other frames.

When it is necessary to repair a belt 56 or any other operating device on the belt wrapping unit 24-, the bolts 104 are loosened and the belt wrapping unit is lifted by connecting the appropriate hoist means onto conveniently arranged lugs 112 and 114 fixedly secured to frame 50. Another belt wrapping unit which is repaired and ready for operation may then be conveniently placed onto the frame by first sliding the flange 90 between the flange 100 and the seating block 102 and then lowering the tongue 92 into the groove 108. After the unit is positioned, the clamping means such as transversely spaced bolts 104 are tightened to claim flange 90 against the seating block 102. In this manner, the belt wrapper unit is conveniently and expeditiously changed without undue delay or down time of the belt wrapper A.

Fluid operated cylinders 70, 74 and 80 necessitate a plurality of hydraulic connections between the frame 22 and each individual belt wrapping unit. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 a transversely ext-ending platform on frame 22 supports conduits 122, 124, 126, 128 and 130 which supply the operating fluid to the aforementioned cylinders. As best seen in FIGURE 3, the supply conduits are connected to pressure lines 134, 136, 138, 141) and 142 by a quick disconnect means 150. It is possible to provide all of these connections in an appropriate manifold so that one action will disconnect all of the lines.

It is appreciated that the invention has been disclosed in connection with one preferred embodiment and that various structural changes may be made without departing for the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A belt wrapper for starting a coil of continuous strip metal onto a reel comprising, in combination: a frame member, a plurality of separate completely individually operated removable belt wrapping units mounted on said frame member in side by side relationship; each unit having an endless belt, force applying means for causing said endless belt to exert wrapping pressure on said strip as it is being coiled onto said reel, a first aligning means on said frame member, a second aligning means on each of said units, said first and second aligning means being adapted to mate one to the other to align said units on said frame member, and means for releasing said units from said frame member.

2. A belt wrapper as defined in claim 1 wherein said second aligning means includes a downwardly extending tongue and said first aligning means includes a groove adapted to receive said tongue.

3. A belt Wrapper as defined in claim 2 wherein said tongue extends transversely across said unit and said groove extends transversely across said frame member.

4. A belt wrapper as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for releasing said unit from said frame member comprises: a first member secured to said frame member and including a forwardly facing transversely extending generally U-shaped recess in said frame member and having an upper and a lower wall, and a second member References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,23 0,750 6/1917 Menzer 24278.5 1,289,714 12/1918 Elkin 251148 X 2,699,904 1/1955 Wood 24278.5 2,890,003 6/1959 Jones 24278.5 2,981,493 4/1961 Maximilian 24278.5

MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner.

JOSEPH P. STRIZAK, Examiner. 

1. A BELT WRAPPER FOR STARTING A COIL OF CONTINUOUS STRIP METAL ONTO A REEL COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A FRAME MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF SEPARATE COMPLETELY INDIVIDUALLY OPERATED REMOVABLE BELT WRAPPING UNITS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME MEMBER IN SIDE BY SIDE RELATIONSHIP; EACH UNIT HAVING AN ENDLESS BELT, FORCE APPLYING MEANS FOR CAUSING SAID ENDLESS BELT TO EXERT WRAPPING PRESSURE ON SAID STRIP AS IT IS BEING COILED ONTO SAID REEL, A FIRST ALIGNING MEANS ON SID FRAME MEMBER, A SECOND ALIGNING MEANS ON EACH OF SAID UNITS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND ALIGNING MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO MATE ONE TO THE OTHER TO ALIGN SAID UNITS ON SAID FRAME MEMBER, AND MEANS FOR RELEASING SAID UNITS FROM SAID FRAME MEMBER. 